True legend of the club. This man lives and breathes LLCC, and over the years both on and off the field, the club would have suffered greatly without him. It’s none other than the Alhpa Male, ‘BIG’ Rich Ayrton!
Rich is sponsored by long time friend, partner in crime, and tormentor Tim Bailey. We don’t need to plug Tim too much, as he’s not trying to sell anything. If he were, I’d advise none of you to buy it! Tim is a connoisseur of Haslet, as well as an avid Spurs fan. He is also Secretary of the choice refreshment outlet of a number of our players, Keighley Cycling Club. Thanks for the support, Tim!
Onto Rich. The man has been involved with the club without hiatus for over 40 years now. Richard is the son of LLCC cultural icon Keith Ayrton who played for the club from the 1970’s to 1990’s, and was our groundsman for around 25 years. Keith was also a junior coach, umpire and committee member for the club and in the Bradford League. Richard followed in his father’s footsteps and took up the mantle of groundsman as part of the globally recognised ‘little and large’ grass cutting duo alongside Mark Day. Richard loves his grass, which we have included a picture of, as we know it is his pride and joy. He has fathered it lovingly from seed to strand, and puts in countless hours year on year to ensure that the lush pastures of Golden View continue to stun visitors from April to September.
On the field, Rich has done it all. He’s been both 1st and 2nd team captain through time, and has scored numerous centuries and thousands of runs for the club. This year will be his 40th consecutive year in the whites of LLCC. A feat of loyalty and consistency that is unparalleled in the club. Notably, he is one of few remaining playing members from when the club won Division 1 back in 1991. This cements him as one of the most admired and respected figures in the club for his ability and longevity, and he is heralded in the same regard by other esteemed figures throughout the entire Craven League.
Many at the club claim Richard is the hardest hitting batsman they’ve ever played with. His old pal Daisy can vouch for this, when he wore one of Richard’s booming shots in the eye socket in his early days at the club during a nets session. This resulted in a trip to A&E with tail between legs for Mark. He still has nightmares to this day!
Last year Rich was our second team captain. He oversaw real progress on the field, pushing players through into the first team as well as providing opportunities for youngsters. Richard also gave us the return of the Wilkinson family. This was a master stroke as James scored an impressive 128* on return, in a game where three generations of the Wilkinson family were involved. Senior man Simon, and two sons James and Paul players, whilst Paul’s son Jack was our scorer for the second team. This must’ve been a lovely moment to be a captain.
On and off the field, Rich is just a top bloke. He’s one of the most popular figures in the club, and always goes out of his way to help the young lads with advice, batting practice, and reassuring pats on the back.
Long Lee Cricket Club 